Key Highlights
- The gambling market in Lesotho is limited but experiencing growth.
- A Memorandum of Understanding was signed for cooperation between the Gambling Authority and the Lesotho Casino Board.
- Lesotho’s iGaming sector faces challenges but also opportunities, especially with continued improvements in internet and mobile penetration.
- The market is dominated by AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino, with a fragmented online gambling space served primarily by international brands.
Introduction to the Lesotho iGaming Market Landscape
Sitting inland in Southern Africa, the small country of Lesotho has been navigating its unique iGaming landscape. While legal regulations for land-based gambling activities have existed for a long time, online gambling remains unregulated. The government’s approach reflects a balance between fostering growth and maintaining control.
Market Overview and Growth Projections
The market size of the gambling industry in Lesotho is currently limited but showing upward trends. According to recent figures from Lesotho’s Revenue Services, gaming levy collections for the 2024/25 fiscal year approximated M16.4 million (Lesotho loti). Although exact totals or figures regarding market revenue are not available, estimates suggest that the gaming equipment sector alone is expected to generate around US$807,000 in 2025. This growth aligns with broader African gambling market projections of annual growth rates between 2-3%, providing a basis for optimism.
Regulatory Framework and Future Developments
The regulatory landscape in Lesotho is currently divided between land-based and online gambling activities. Land-based gambling is regulated under the Lotteries and Betting Act (1984) and the Casino Order (1989), while online gambling remains unregulated, creating a significant gap in legal oversight.
In 2025, the Gambling Authority of Botswana and the Lesotho Casino Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on licensing, compliance, anti-money laundering, and responsible gaming efforts. This collaboration aims at harmonizing regulatory standards across borders, which could lead to future legislation for online gambling.
Competitive Landscape and Consumer Trends
The competitive landscape is dominated by AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino in Maseru, offering a range of casino games and sports betting. However, the online gambling space is fragmented and unregulated, with international operators dominating through mobile apps due to the absence of specific regulation for players in Lesotho.
Consumer trends indicate a strong preference for sports betting, particularly football and horse racing. While there are challenges related to internet penetration (29.8%) and mobile phone ownership (78.7%), mobile devices remain the most accessible platform for gambling activities. Cryptocurrency usage is growing among younger players but still represents only a small portion of transactions.
Conclusion
The future of iGaming in Lesotho hinges on continued cooperation between regulatory bodies, technological advancements, and consumer behavior shifts. As internet and mobile penetration increase, the market could see significant growth, provided that regulatory frameworks are put into place to ensure responsible gambling practices.
Lesotho’s iGaming industry is at a pivotal stage, with both challenges and opportunities awaiting those who navigate it carefully. The Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 signifies a step towards harmonizing regional regulatory standards, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive legislation in the future.
